RICHARD NEUTRA

Richard Neutra believed that the architect should strive for a response to space and time that may be only fleeting, yet in its intensity becomes truly memorable. His work based on simple post and beam construction, were decidedly modern.

When Time magazine put Richard J. Neutra on the cover of its August 15, 1949, issue, the Austrian-born architect had been designing astounding modernist houses for more than 20 years. Neutra (1892–1970) was a prophet of clean, crisp modernism, and his houses, most of which were built in California, have inspired countless architects.

It is a place, which could tell many stories. Over a thirty-year period hundreds of projects on four continents were designed there. These included the country’s first modern school, many distinguished residences, and important public buildings. At mid century Neutra’s influence was pervasive,

Kaufman house. The design of the house is quite simplistic; at the center of the house is the living room and the dining room that is the heart of the house and the family activity. The rest of the house branches out like a pinwheel in each of the cardinal directions. From the center of the house each wing that branches out has its own specific function; however, the most important aspects of the house are oriented east/west while the supporting features are oriented north/south.

Perkins house. Constance Perkins, a professor of art history at Occidental College, was a single, professional woman who wanted a house that would reflect her personal living style: art-loving, landscape-focused, creative, and independent. Neutra designed this house to fit its owner in every way, literally bringing the outside inside by creating a curving pool that winds indoors under a glass wall, and scaling all the interior cabinets and fixtures specifically to Perkins’ small stature.